Here is what I want.....

[Bullswan]

I am getting so frustrated to keep my son in scuba. Every stinking time we go somewhere it appears he has outgrown another item. First it was wetsuits, then booties, now his BC looks like it belongs on a GI JOE.

I wish there was a way of creating a "pool" of good serviceable stuff that we could all donate to and take from as we need it for our growing kids. They only seem to be in it for a few months at best and it's a great source of irritation when something really good I bought him no longer fits.


Any ideas how to solve this madness? (OTHER than binding his feet or duct-taping him at night to stop the growth.)

Greg

 

[Jim Lapenta]

For the BC get him a plate and wing set up. All you'll have to replace then is maybe the webbing. As for boots, fins, etc. There you're just gonna have to bite the bullet. A pool of kids size stuff is a good idea. Manufacturers may not like it but your lds might if it means more kids diving which means more sales down the road!

 

[don Francisco]

Greg-

Probably the best way to have a pool of the stuff growing kids need is to join a club. With any luck there'll be a number of families with kids of all sizes outgrowing their gear. You can either swap, or buy and sell used equipment among yourselves.

The other thing you can do to help yourself is to stop buying new equipment. Look for used equipment and as your kids outgrow it sell it off. Yes there'll be a spread so you won't come out even, but you're net outlays will far less.

Lastly, consider renting. The economics of buy vs rent are very different when equipment will only be used a year or two at most anyway. The "wasted" dollars spent on rentals ultimately will cost far less than the cost of that stuff accumulating in the basement. If you're diving frequently, maybe you can work out a long term rental deal with the LDS.

Lastly, seek out a family with children just slightly younger or smaller than yours. Introduce them to scuba and tell tham about all the family values and other good stuff. If you can get them into the sport you'll have a ready made market for the stuff your son outgrows.

Good luck, if all else fails you could feed him less and hope he grows more slowly.

 

[scubadobadoo]

Those are some very helpful posts above.

Ebay and scuba board...your friend for used gear and I agree...rental for the clothing type items may be your best option depending on how often you dive locally and take trips. I also second the BP/W suggestion.

Have fun!

 

[ligersandtions]

I'll third the bp/w suggestion. It is infinitely adjustable because you can keep moving the webbing as needed....and if he ends up growing enough, the webbing is super cheap to replace. If he ends up growing enough that he needs a new plate, it should be simple enough to sell the old one and buy him a new one. These back plates and wings hold their value very well....if you need to sell your old one, chances are you'll be able to get back a decent amount of what you originally spent, and put that toward the new plate....this is not the same with a traditional BC.

 

[Underwater Ogre]

The back wing and plate is a good idea. If you dont want to spend quite that much get a Zeagle Concept II ...bought one for my girlfriend and my daughter uses it too.
Its extremely adjustable. There is Zeagle video showing it on a 5' woman and then sizing it to fit a 6'7" guy.

Good luck,

 

[TonyW388]

Hi Greg,

Check out SeaSoft Scuba Products

It is my wifes BC but I have been diving in it. She is 5' 2" and I am at 6'. It is very adjustable. So far we have had no problems. Just my 2 cents.

Tony

 

[Bullswan]

Thanks to all that answered. I have seen the wisdom of your thoughts on BC/BPwith W.
Any similar wisdom when it comes to wetsuits????
Thanks again,
Greg

 

[NudeDiver]

Any ideas how to solve this madness? (OTHER than binding his feet or duct-taping him at night to stop the growth.)

Make him buy his own stuff, or don't buy him anything else until he stops growing. Both are sure ways to cut down on equipment costs.

 

[FlyinV]

Craigslist here has loads of wetsuits -- I would think about finding him used suits till he stops growing. (Or go the rental route) -- Also keep an eye out for garage sales with scuba gear.

Sure not as nice as new suits but around here used wetsuits are plentiful and inexpensive.